VAUXHALL'S 3,000th Dualfuel vehicle has left the production line, pushing the group closer to its target of 4,000 vehicles by the end of the year.

A liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and petrol Corsa was Vauxhall's 3,000th Dualfuel vehicle. Ian Blinder, manager of special vehicles at Vauxhall, said: 'We are encouraged by the big rise in sales. It confirms that our faith in the Dualfuel concept was well placed.'

Dualfuel sales totalled 2,390 units in 2002. The group initially hoped to sell 3,100 but accredited the shortfall to a flattening of the market and the ongoing consultation period over road fuel gases.

Across Vauxhall's Dualfuel range, the Astra achieved highest sales at 987 registrations, followed by the Combo at 830, the Vectra at 557 and the Astravan at 319.

Vauxhall says growing awareness among fleets, rising fuel costs and wider product choices have helped increase Dualfuel sales.

The London congestion charge is also cited as a reason for the boost in sales as Dualfuel vehicles receive a 100% discount.

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